Social Security Administration relocates West Branch office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will be relocating to a new office in West Branch at the beginning of September.

The new office will be located at 2938 Hansen Road, West Branch and open Sept. 2.

"Ogemaw, Iosco and Roscommon Counties have been serviced by the West Branch office as a resident station since 1974. The number of people needing our services continues to increase and we expect our new space will allow us to keep pace with this increasing need," said Timothy Albright, district manager of the West Branch office, who noted that the office space will be doubled with the new building. The new office will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In preparation for the new office opening, the current location will offer limited service on Aug. 28 and will be closed on Aug. 29.

"Almost all your Social Security business can also be completed at our web site, www.socialsecurity.gov," said Albright. "Through the Internet, the public can file for their Social Security benefits, they can change a telephone number or address on their record, or request a benefit statement, all from the convenience of their homes."

SSA recently unveiled a new online calculator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator that will provide immediate and personalized benefit estimates to help people plan for retirement.

Assistance is also available through SSA's toll-free number (800) 772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.